10 Most Common Health Concerns in Small Breed Dogs

Small breed dogs are popular with many pet owners. Small dogs are undeniably adorable and easier to take care of. Small breed dogs are easier to walk, feed and groom. The most popular small dog breeds include:

• Chihuahua
• Maltese
• Dachshund
• Shih Tzu
• Lhasa Apso
• Pomeranian
• Boston Terrier
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Bichon Frisé
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Havanese

Though they share the same ancestors, the common health conditions faced by small breeds is vastly different than those of large dog breeds. Learning about the most common health conditions of small breeds will help you better understand your pup and how to keep him or her as healthy as possible.

1. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a particular set of abnormalities related to the airways of brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic refers to dogs with short muzzles and a flattened face. It is the result of a genetic mutation which alters the way the bones in their skull grow. As a result, the shape of their skull is wide and short.

Small brachycephalic breeds include:

• Boston Terrier
• Pug
• Pekingese
• Lhasa Apso
• Shih Tzu
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Brachycephalic breeds require special attention. Some brachycephalic small breeds are born with compressed airways, making it difficult for them to breathe. Symptoms include snorting or noisy breathing and in more severe cases, gagging, vomiting or fainting, especially after exercise. Being overweight can make the syndrome worse. Mild cases may be managed by limiting exercise and time spent in hot weather. Severe conditions require surgery.

2. Intervertebral Disk Disease

Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) in dogs can also be described as ruptured, slipped, bulging or herniated disk. It is an age-related, gradual degenerative process. The issue is not detected until the disc hardens over time and becomes ruptured and painful. Usually, something mundane like a jump onto the sofa causes damage to the disc and triggers acute pain.

IVDD can occur in the neck, back or lower back. The condition is diagnosed using x-rays, a neurological exam, and/or MRI. If your dog is diagnosed with IVDD, treatment includes steroid and anti-inflammatory medications, combined with 4-6 weeks of reduced activity.

Surgery may be recommended for dogs suffering from more severe cases of IVDD. Following surgery, physical therapy will be required.

3. Mitral Valve Disease 

Degenerative mitral valve disease is a common heart disease in dogs; approximately 30 percent of dogs over age 10 develop the disease. This disease is most common in small breed dogs; certain breeds are at a higher risk than others. For example, virtually all Cavalier King Charles spaniels will develop mitral valve disease during their lifetimes.

The earliest sign of a leaking mitral valve is normally a heart murmur. As time progresses, the murmur worsens until finally congestive heart failure occurs. From the time a murmur develops, it can take between a few months to several years for heart failure to occur.

Dogs with heart murmurs may have few, if any, clinical signs until the condition develops into heart failure. Once it becomes heart failure, blood will build up in the lungs because the heart is not pumping blood properly. Dogs will sound like they are gagging as if to clear their throat, develop a chronic, hacking cough, and lack of stamina.

Once diagnosed, there are several drugs and treatments that will improve heart failure. Since dogs with a heart murmur have an increased risk of sudden death, it is imperative your dog is under the care of a veterinarian if mitral valve disease is suspected. 

4. Hypoglycemia

Small breed dogs are at risk for hypoglycemia which can be lethal if they do not receive prompt treatment. Hypoglycemia is when blood sugar levels drop too low. If this happens in small dogs, it can affect neurological function and cause disorientation, tremors and coma. Normally, hormones are the stimulus for breaking down glucose to supply the brain and other tissues in the body. In small breeds and young puppies, this process doesn’t happen fast enough and hypoglycemia results.

Signs of hypoglycemia include:

• Lack of appetite
• Extreme lethargy
• Lack of coordination
• Trembling
• Muscle twitching
• Weakness
• Seizures
• Discoloration of skin and gums
• Unusual behavior
• Dilated pupils
• Stupor or coma

If you suspect your dog is having a hypoglycemic episode immediately give your dog sugar water or maple syrup (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol). Owners of small breeds, especially toy breeds, should keep a glucose source on hand. Try rubbing maple syrup on your dogs lips and gums if he or she won’t swallow anything.

5. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis in dogs is potentially life-threatening, so it’s important to know what symptoms to look for. The pancreas releases enzymes that aid digestion. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it causes damage to the organ and surrounding tissues. The enzymes can even start digesting the pancreas itself, which is extremely painful to the dog.

Classic signs of pancreatitis include:

• Repeated vomiting
• Pain or distention of the abdomen
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Weakness/lethargy
• Fever
• Hunched back

If you suspect your dog is having a pancreatic episode, take him or her to the vet immediately. Sometimes a mild case will go away in a fairly short period of time, but a more severe case requires an IV and medication.

Read more: Pancreatitis in Dogs – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

6. Tracheal Collapse

The trachea is the airway between the mouth and lungs. Tracheal collapse is a progressive respiratory condition common in small breed dogs caused by the collapse of cartilage rings in the trachea.

When the trachea collapses, it can cause severe breathing problems in the dog. The most common symptom is a honking or harsh, dry coughing noise.

Tracheal collapse is thought to be a genetic disease, specifically occurring in small breeds. Obesity and humidity are factors thought to contribute to the problem, as well as pulling on a leash clipped on a collar.

If you suspect your dog is suffering from tracheal distress, please make sure he or she is seen by a veterinarian right away.

7. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a joint disease most common in small breed dogs, under 20 lbs. The condition usually affects terriers and toy breeds. The condition causes the head of the femur to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will cause the collapse of the hip and lead to arthritis.

This disease causes the dog to limp on the affected leg. Over time, this will lead to pain, lameness and possibly loss of muscle mass in the affected leg.

Mild cases can be managed with medical therapy but severe cases will require surgery and physical therapy.

8. Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs. A luxating patella is a kneecap that moves out of it’s place. Many toy or small breeds, such as Maltese, Chihuahua, French Poodle and Bichon Frisé breeds have a genetic predisposition for this condition.

Medically, there are several grades of a luxating patella. In the mild form, the knee only luxates when force is applied. A moderate luxation is when the kneecap pops out frequently and a severe luxation is where the kneecap is out of the joint most of the time.

Some dogs are able to tolerate this condition, especially if it is mild, for a long period of time. However, this condition predisposes the knee to other conditions, such as torn cruciate ligaments. This can lead to surgery, arthritis, pain and decreased mobility. Surgery is the preferred treatment in most cases.

9. Dental Disease

One of the biggest dental problems for little dogs is periodontal disease. Toy and small breeds have small mouths; fitting all 42 teeth in a small mouth is a challenge. Their mouths are crowded, teeth grow too close together and at odd angles. As a result, plaque builds up, turns into tartar, and food bits become lodged between their teeth.

Routine dental care guards against periodontal disease, tooth loss, and infection, which can make eating difficult and painful.

10. Obesity

Small breed dogs are at an increased risk of developing obesity, which can lead to painful conditions like osteoarthritis and life-threatening ones like respiratory, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and many forms of cancer.

Small breeds are not as active as larger breed dogs. Even small amounts of table scraps can lead to weight gain. Canine obesity is a serious health concern. If your small breed dog is overweight and is otherwise healthy, he or she is taking in too many calories and not getting the exercise he or she needs.

Being aware of the common health problems inherent in small dog breeds will help you do everything you can to ensure your dog leads a healthy, happy life. However, keep in mind your dog’s size may make him or her a potential candidate for these health concerns doesn’t mean he or she will develop these medical issues. Knowing what signs to look for may help you identify issues sooner so you can seek veterinary medical care and lower the risk a serious problem will ensue.

Are you the pet parent of a small breed dog? Has your dog experienced any of the above issues? Please share in the comments below…